S4E27 Exploring Koans and Spiritual Wisdom Across Cultures

S4E27 Exploring Koans and Spiritual Wisdom Across Cultures

Author: Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. February 25, 2025 Duration: 15:54
Can koans untangle the complexities of our minds and offer a path to mental clarity? Explore this fascinating possibility with our special guest, Nikki, who passionately shares her experiences with these intricate Zen riddles. By challenging the intellectual mind, koans invite us into a space of simplicity and stillness, a concept that resonates deeply with the practice of meditation. We also reflect on how younger generations are more receptive to integrating mindfulness into their daily liv...

In When East Meets West, psychologists Peter Economou and Nikki Rubin bridge the continental divide for a unique conversation. Peter, based on the East coast, and Nikki, on the West, bring their clinical expertise to explore the fascinating intersections where ancient Eastern wisdom and contemporary Western psychology converge. This podcast delves into topics across health, fitness, mental well-being, science, and spirituality, examining how timeless practices can inform modern behavioral science. Each discussion is grounded in their professional experience, offering nuanced perspectives rather than simple answers. Listeners will hear thoughtful dialogues that unpack complex ideas, from meditation and mindfulness to the psychology behind ritual and community, always aiming for practical, actionable insights. The tone is curious and accessible, making the synthesis of these two rich traditions relevant for daily life. By tuning in, you join a ongoing exploration of how we can live with greater awareness and resilience, informed by both the lab and the lineage. When East Meets West is an invitation to consider the full spectrum of human understanding, hosted by two guides dedicated to making these connections clear and useful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

When East Meets West
Podcast Episodes
S3E14_Performance Psychology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:26
As you have seen on When East Meets West, there are many things that can be tied to western behavioral science and all things about our performance are no different. Dr. Pete works primarily with high performers, but Dr.…
S3E13_Renewal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:14
Dr. Rubin introduces the subtle shifts of seasons on the west coast compared to the east coast seasonal changes. This episode highlights that the act of returning is a behavior and the idea of renewal is an experience. D…
S3E12_Resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:59
Dr. Pete introduces the nature of resilience in psychology and living while Dr. Rubin reminds that resilience is connected to grit. She named the ingredients as: grit, connection, love and connection, and compassion. The…
S3E11_Panic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
Dr. Rubin introduces the education regarding panic symptoms and panic attacks, and how they are precipitated by a perceived threat. Drs. Rubin and Pete present the symptoms and present some mechanisms that people use to…
S3E10_Self Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:28
Self growth There are many ways for people to try and evolve, and today’s culture heavily emphasizes the importance of wellness and wellbeing. In fact, there could be some criticism about self-growth being viewed as a fa…
S3E9_Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:57
Connection Dr. Rubin introduced the idea of connection as something that is not measurable, and humans are in need of it. Of course many of us are still recovering from the pandemic and what it meant to connect during th…
S3E8_Anger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:42
Anger Dr. Rubin highlights the evolution of anger and how this emotion can be helpful. Like most things in the practice of mindfulness, as long as we do not let any of them control how we think, feel and behave, they can…
S3E7_Retreats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:02
In this episode Dr. Pete brings the trend of retreats to this episode as it comes into modern wellness, as well as the traditional practices of retreats which are ultimately meant to isolate and recharge our energy and s…
S3E6_The Return [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:20
The Return: We are back! After almost one year, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin return to When East Meets West and, in true form of their commitment to mindfulness, they frame this return episode within a mindful and values-based…
S3E5 Self Care Hiatus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:29
Have you missed the doctors? Well, they missed you more! Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin have been grinding, which means that they needed to take a break. Tune in to learn the importance of boundaries and self-care professionally…